Automated attachment of solar components

ABSTRACT

A method may include positioning one or more PV module mounting devices along a length of a structural component. The method may include specifying one or more parameters related to fastening the PV module mounting devices to the structural component, the one or more parameters indicating a spacing between the PV module mounting devices. The method may include fastening, by an automated attachment equipment, the PV module mounting devices to the structural component based on the specified parameters and moving the PV module mounting devices fastened to the structural component to an assembly platform.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No.63/221,348, filed on Jul. 13, 2021, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to a system and method ofautomated attachment of solar components.

BACKGROUND

Systems of solar panels may include one or more photovoltaic (PV)modules. The PV modules may be mounted in rows on solar trackers thatdirect an orientation of the PV modules such that the orientation of thePV modules changes throughout a day. The PV modules may be placed in anoutdoor location such that the PV modules may receive sunlight withlittle or no obstruction.

The subject matter claimed in the present disclosure is not limited toembodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only inenvironments such as those described above. Rather, this background isonly provided to illustrate one example technology area where someembodiments described in the present disclosure may be practiced.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of an embodiment, a method may includepositioning one or more PV module mounting devices along a length of astructural component. The method may include specifying one or moreparameters related to fastening the PV module mounting devices to thestructural component, the one or more parameters indicating a spacingbetween the PV module mounting devices. The method may includefastening, by an automated attachment equipment, the PV module mountingdevices to the structural component based on the specified parametersand moving the PV module mounting devices fastened to the structuralcomponent to an assembly platform.

In some embodiments, the assembly platform may be part of or coupled toa transportable component.

In some embodiments, fastening, by the automated attachment equipment,the PV module mounting devices to the structural component may includeusing an automatic feeder that sequentially provides PV module mountingdevices to be fastened to the structural component, the automatic feedermoving the PV module mounting devices along an axis while the structuralcomponent remains stationary.

In some embodiments, fastening, by the automated attachment equipment,the PV module mounting devices to the structural component may includeusing an automatic feeder that sequentially provides PV module mountingdevices to be fastened to the structural component, the automatic feedermoving the structural component along an axis while the PV modulemounting devices remain stationary.

In some embodiments, the automated attachment equipment may beconfigured to move along at least one of three axes, the three axesincluding a first axis along an x-direction, a second axis along ay-direction, and a third axis along a z-direction.

In some embodiments, specifying the one or more parameters may be basedon a size or an orientation of the PV module mounting device.

In some embodiments, fastening the PV module mounting devices to thestructural component may involve a flow drill fastening process thatincludes driving a fastener into a surface of one of the PV modulemounting devices that is in contact with the structural component orthrough a hole in the surface of the one of the PV module mountingdevices that is in contact with the structural component. The flow drillfastening process may include rotating the fastener at a rotational ratethat forms a flowing material from the structural component or thesurface of each of the PV module mounting devices and forming threads ina hole formed by driving the fastener into the surface of one of the PVmodule mounting devices that is in contact with the structural componentby decreasing the rotational rate of the fastener.

In some embodiments, fastening the PV module mounting devices to thestructural component includes may involve driving a drill bit through asurface of the structural component that is aligned with a surface ofone of the PV module mounting devices to form an aligned hole throughthe structural component and the PV module mounting device and insertinga blind fastener through the aligned hole.

In some embodiments, fastening the PV module mounting devices to thestructural component may include spot welding the PV module mountingdevices to the structural component or securing each of the PV modulemounting devices to the structural component using a clinch joint.

According to an aspect of an embodiment, a photovoltaic (PV) modulemounting device assembly system may include one or more PV modulemounting devices positioned along a length of a structural component andan automated attachment equipment that is configured to fasten the PVmodule mounting devices to the structural component. The PV modulemounting device assembly system may include an assembly platform ontowhich the PV module mounting devices fastened to the structuralcomponent are moved after fastening.

In some embodiments, the assembly platform may be part of or coupled toa transportable component.

In some embodiments, the PV module mounting device assembly system mayfurther include an automatic feeder that sequentially provides the PVmodule mounting devices to be fastened to the structural component, theautomatic feeder moving the structural component along an axis while thePV module mounting devices remain stationary.

In some embodiments, the PV module mounting device assembly system mayfurther include an automatic feeder that sequentially provides the PVmodule mounting devices to be fastened to the structural component, theautomatic feeder moving the PV module mounting devices along an axiswhile the structural component remains stationary.

In some embodiments, the automated attachment equipment may beconfigured to move along at least one of three axes, the three axesincluding a first axis along an x-direction, a second axis along ay-direction, and a third axis along a z-direction.

In some embodiments, the PV module mounting devices may be fastened tothe structural component according to one or more parameters specifiedbased on a size or an orientation of a PV module.

In some embodiments, the automated attachment equipment may beconfigured to use a flow drill fastening process that includes driving afastener into a surface of one of the PV module mounting devices that isin contact with the structural component or through a hole in thesurface of the one of the PV module mounting devices that is in contactwith the structural component. The flow drill fastening process mayinvolve rotating the fastener at a rotational rate that forms a flowingmaterial from the structural component or the surface of each of the PVmodule mounting devices and forming threads in a hole formed by drivingthe fastener into the surface of one of the PV module mounting devicesthat is in contact with the structural component by decreasing therotational rate of the fastener.

In some embodiments, the automated attachment equipment may beconfigured to drive a drill bit through a surface of the structuralcomponent that is aligned with a surface of one of the PV modulemounting devices to form an aligned hole through the structuralcomponent and the PV module mounting device and insert a blind fastenerthrough the aligned hole.

In some embodiments, the automated attachment equipment may beconfigured to spot weld the PV module mounting devices to the structuralcomponent or secure each of the PV module mounting devices to thestructural component using a clinch joint.

According to an aspect of an embodiment, a system may include one ormore processors and one or more non-transitory computer-readable storagemedia configured to store instructions that, in response to beingexecuted, cause a photovoltaic (PV) module mounting device assemblysystem to perform operations. The operations may include instructing oneor more robotic components to position one or more PV module mountingdevices along a length of a structural component. The operations mayalso include specifying one or more parameters related to fastening thePV module mounting devices to the structural component, the one or moreparameters indicating a spacing between the PV module mounting devices.The method may include instructing automated attachment equipment tofasten the PV module mounting devices to the structural component basedon the specified parameters and instructing the one or more roboticcomponents to move the PV module mounting devices fastened to thestructural component along an assembly platform.

In some embodiments, fastening the PV module mounting devices to thestructural component may involve a flow drill fastening process thatincludes instructing the automated attachment equipment to drive afastener into a surface of one of the PV module mounting devices that isin contact with the structural component or through a hole in thesurface of the one of the PV module mounting devices that is in contactwith the structural component. The flow drill fastening process mayinclude instructing the automated attachment equipment to rotate thefastener at a rotational rate that forms a flowing material from thestructural component or the surface of each of the PV module mountingdevices and instructing the automated attachment equipment to decreasethe rotational rate of the fastener to facilitate formation of threadsin a hole formed by driving the fastener into the surface of one of thePV module mounting devices that is in contact with the structuralcomponent.

The object and advantages of the embodiments will be realized andachieved at least by the elements, features, and combinationsparticularly pointed out in the claims. It is to be understood that boththe foregoing general description and the following detailed descriptionare explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will be described and explained with additionalspecificity and detail through the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a first example embodiment of a system of automatedattachment of solar components according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B illustrates a second example embodiment of the system ofautomated attachment of solar components according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a close-up view of the first example embodiment illustratingan automated solar component feed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A illustrates flow drill fastener installer included in the systemof automated attachment of solar components according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3B is a close-up view depicting attachment of a fastener through amounting device and a structural component using the flow drill fastenerinstaller according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a close-up view of the second example embodiment illustratinga second attachment equipment including a single-axis rail supportaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a close-up view of the second example embodiment including anoctagonal torque tube and a different style of module clamps accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 4C is a close-up view of a third example embodiment illustrating amulti-axis robotic arm support of the system of automated attachment ofsolar components according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4D is a close-up view of a fourth example embodiment illustrating atri-axis rail support of the system of automated attachment of solarcomponents according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a fifth example embodiment of the system of automatedattachment of solar components including multiple attachment equipmentspindles according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 illustrates installation of a fastener based on a flow drillfastening process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Solar panel systems including one or more PV modules are currentlyinstalled manually using hand-held alignment jigs, impact drivers,and/or torque wrenches to attach the PV modules to a structuralcomponent such as a torque tube or a module frame. Attaching the PVmodules to the structural component may involve drilling holes into thestructural component so that the PV modules may be coupled to thestructural component via one or more mounting devices such as mountingclamps, screws, bolts, etc. However, drilling holes into the structuralcomponent at the installation site in the solar field may increase labortime and costs. Additionally, pre-drilling such holes off-site mayreduce project and/or supply-chain flexibility because the spacing,locations, and/or sizing of the holes may be project-specific based ongeographical limitations, PV module specifications, and/or otherconsiderations. Alternatively, the mounting devices may be clamped tothe structural component without drilling holes. However, such methodsof coupling the mounting devices to the structural component may involveadditional clamping components and labor for installation.

The present disclosure relates to, among other things, an automatedattachment method of fastening mounting devices to the structuralcomponent on-site in the solar field. The structural component and themounting devices may be shipped to the installation site with or withoutany component pre-processing prior to shipping the structural componentand the mounting devices to the installation site. Automated attachmentequipment may be configured to determine a spacing between mountingdevices coupled to the structural component and fasten the mountingdevices to the structural component according to the determined spacing.Installation of solar components according to the present disclosure maystreamline the supply chain and logistics of the structural componentand/or the mounting devices and reduce labor costs associated with theinstallation. Additionally or alternatively, the speed and/or accuracyof installations may be improved by the automated attachment method. Insome embodiments, a flow drill fastener may be implemented with theautomated attachment method such that attachment of mounting devices tothe structural components may be more secure, and/or maintenance of PVmodules may be improved because removable threaded fasteners may be usedto install the PV modules by the flow drill fastener. Additionally, theuse of a flow drill fastener may permit the secure coupling ofcomponents without access to a back surface of the fastener. Forexample, when coupling to a torque tube where it is difficult to accessthe inside of the tube, the flow drill fastener may provide a secureconnection without access to the inside of the torque tube.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained with referenceto the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A illustrates a first example system 100 a of automated attachmentof solar components according to the present disclosure. The firstsystem 100 a may include attachment equipment 110 a, which may beconfigured to fasten one or more mounting devices 140 to a structuralcomponent 130 of a PV tracker (such as a clamp to a torque tube, etc.).Additionally or alternatively, the attachment equipment 110 a may beconfigured to couple two structural components 130 together. In someembodiments, operation of the attachment equipment 110 a may beperformed on an assembly platform 120.

The structural component 130 may include any of a torque tube, a frame,and/or any other support structures on which one or more PV modules maybe mounted, whether directly or indirectly. The mounting devices 140 mayinclude clamps, purlins, rails, motor support structures,wire-management hooks, and/or any other devices configured to interfacewith the PV modules mounted on the structural component 130 and securean alignment and/or position of the PV modules relative to thestructural component 130.

The attachment equipment 110 a may include any tool, mechanism, machine,system, or other component to facilitate fixedly coupling of themounting devices 140 to the structural component 130. In these and otherembodiments, the attachment equipment 110 a may or may not include amotive component, such that the attachment equipment 110 a may be ableto move with one, two, or three degrees of freedom.

In some embodiments, the attachment equipment 110 a may include anautomated feeder 112, which is configured to sequentially providemounting devices 140 to be fastened to the structural component 130. Theattachment of the mounting devices 140 along a length of the structuralcomponent 130 may be facilitated by moving the structural component 130relative to the attachment equipment 110 a after attachment of each ofthe successive mounting devices 140. The movement of the structuralcomponent 130 relative to the attachment equipment 110 a may facilitateattachment of the mounting devices 140 at uniform intervals from oneanother along the length of the structural component 130. In these andother embodiments, the structural component 130 may feed onto theassembly platform 120 such that sections of the structural component 130to which the mounting devices 140 have been attached are moved onto theassembly platform 120 while sections of the structural component 130 towhich the mounting devices 140 have not yet been attached may be alignedto the automated feeder 112 of the attachment equipment 110 a.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A, in some embodiments, the assembly platform120 may be part of or coupled to a trailer bed or other transportablecomponent. In these and other embodiments, doing so may facilitate rapidand efficient deployment of the structural component 130 to which themounting devices 140 have been coupled.

FIG. 1B illustrates a second example system 100 b of automatedattachment of solar components according to the present disclosure. Thesystem 100 b may include the structural component 130 and/or themounting devices 140 positioned on an assembly platform 120. Adjustableattachment equipment 110 b may move along an axis aligned with a lengthof the assembly platform 120 on rails 114 positioned on a perimeter ofthe assembly platform 120. As such, the movement of the adjustableattachment equipment 110 b relative to the structural component 130 mayfacilitate attachment of the mounting devices 140 at uniform intervalsfrom one another along the length of the structural component 130.

While not shown, the automatic feeder 112 of FIG. 1A may be configuredto also move along the assembly platform 120 such that as the adjustableattachment equipment 110 b moves along the length of the structuralcomponent 130, the automatic feeder 112 may also move to provide themounting devices 140 at the appropriate locations.

FIG. 2 is a close-up view illustrating the automated feeder 112 of thesystem 100 a according to the present disclosure. One or more of themounting devices 140 may be fed from above, while the structuralcomponent 130 conveys below the automated feeder 112. In someembodiments, the stationary attachment equipment 110 a may fasten themounting devices 140 to the structural component 130 at one or morepredetermined intervals. For example, the structural component 130 maymove a given distance and stop to facilitate attachment of a firstmounting device 140 before again moving the given distance and stoppingto facilitate attachment of a second mounting device 140. As anotherexample, PV module environmental site factors (e.g., uneven elevations,geographic obstacles, etc.) and/or component considerations (e.g.,sizing of PV modules, location of PV modules along a torque tube, etc.)may indicate that the mounting devices 140 should be attached to thestructural component 130 at irregular intervals. In these and otherexamples, the structural component 130 may move a first given distanceand stop to facilitate attachment of the mounting devices 140 with afirst spacing between each of the mounting devices and move a secondgiven distance between coupling of the mounting devices 140 to thestructural component 130 to facilitate attachment of the mountingdevices 140 with a second spacing between each mounting device 140. Inthese and other embodiments, a spacing between two or more PV modulesmay be specified for each installation project, and a computing systemmay be configured to adjust the spacing between attachment of one ormore of the mounting devices 140 to the structural component 130.

In some embodiments, the mounting devices 140 may be attached to thestructural component 130 by a flow drill fastening process. FIG. 3Aillustrates a flow drill fastener installer 116 included in the system100 a of automated attachment of solar components. The flow drillfastener installer 116 may be positioned on the attachment equipment 110and aligned to fasten the mounting devices 140 to the structuralcomponent 130. FIG. 3B is a close-up view depicting attachment of afastener strip 150 to the mounting device 140 and the structuralcomponent 130 using the flow drill fastener installer 116 according tothe present disclosure. As illustrated above in relation to FIG. 2 ,each of the fastener strips 150 may be attached to a respective mountingdevice 140 such as during the manufacturing of the mounting device 140.The flow drill fastener installer 116 may be configured to affix one ormore fasteners through the fastener strip 150 to attach the fastenerstrip 150 to the structural component 130, which may couple thestructural component 130 to the corresponding mounting device 140.Additionally or alternatively, the fastener strip 150 may be attached tothe structural component 130 during manufacturing, and the flow drillfastener installer 116 may be configured to affix one or more fastenersthrough the fastener strip 150 to attach the fastener strip 150 to eachof the mounting devices 140. The flow drill fastening process isdescribed in further detail below in relation to FIG. 6 .

Although illustrated as a flow drill fastener installer 116, one or moresimilar approaches may be used. For example, clinch joints,self-piercing rivets, spot welds, and/or other metal-attachment methodsmay be used in lieu of or in conjunction with the flow drill fastenerinstaller 116 to attach the mounting devices 140 to the structuralcomponent 130.

FIG. 4A is a close-up view of the system 100 b illustrating a secondattachment equipment 110 b including a series of single-axis railsupports according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, theattachment equipment 110 b may include a first guiding rail 118 a, asecond guiding rail 118 b, and a third guiding rail 118 c. The firstguiding rail 118 a may extend vertically from the third guiding rail 118c in a direction perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to thethird guiding rail 118 c. The attachment equipment 110 b may include afastener installer, such as the flow drill fastener installer 116, thatis coupled to the first guiding rail 118 a such that a height of thefastener installer may be adjusted along a length of the first guidingrail 118 a. In some embodiments, the second guiding rail 118 b mayextend horizontally from the first guiding rail 118 a in a directionperpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the first guidingrail 118 a and/or the third guiding rail 118 c. The fastener installerof the attachment equipment 110 b may be positioned on top of andcoupled to the second guiding rail 118 b such that sliding along thelength of the second guiding rail 118 b may adjust the fastenerinstaller towards and/or away from the structural component 130. In someembodiments, the third guiding rail 118 c may extend generallyhorizontally with the length of the structural component 130. Thefastener installer of the attachment equipment 110 b may be moved alonga length of structural component 130 up to approximately the length ofthe third guiding rail 118 c by the first guiding rail 118 a slidingalong the length of the third guiding rail 118 c. In some embodiments,the first guiding rail 118 a may not move along the length of the thirdguiding rail 118 c and the position of the structural component 130relative to the attachment equipment 110 b may be adjusted by moving thestructural component 130. An automated attachment system including theattachment equipment 110 b may facilitate adjustment of the fastenerinstaller to accommodate structural components 130 and/or mountingdevices 140 of varying specifications.

In some embodiments, an automated attachment system according to thepresent disclosure may be configured to attach mounting devices ofvarious styles to structural components of various styles. In these andother embodiments, the position of the fastener installer may beadjusted to align with various styles of mounting devices 140 and/orstructural components 130. For example, FIG. 4B is a close-up view ofthe system 100 b including an octagonal torque tube 135 as thestructural component 130 and a different style of module clamps 145 asthe mounting device 140. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the position of theflow drill fastener installer 116 may be adjusted along the firstguiding rail 118 a, the second guiding rail 118 b, and/or the thirdguiding rail 118 c to align with the module clamp 145 and the octagonaltorque tube 135.

FIG. 4C is a close-up view of a third example system 100 c illustratinga multi-axis robotic arm support 110 c according to the presentdisclosure. The multi-axis robotic arm support 110 c may increase therotational and/or positional flexibility and adaptability of the flowdrill fastener installer 116. In some embodiments, the multi-axisrobotic arm support 110 c may facilitate setting more specific and/ornuanced settings for attachment of mounting devices to the structuralcomponent and/or coupling other components to the mounting devicesbefore and/or after coupling the mounting devices to the structuralcomponent. For example, one multi-axis robotic arm support 110 c mayfacilitate attachment of the fastener strip 150 to the structuralcomponent 130 and/or attachment of the fastener strip 150 to one or moreof the mounting devices 140 in lieu of multiple pieces of attachmentequipment such as the attachment equipment 110 a and/or 110 b.

FIG. 4D is a close-up view of a fourth example system 100 d illustratinga tri-axis rail support 110 d according to the present disclosure. Insome embodiments, the attachment equipment 110 b may include a firstguiding rail 118 a, a second guiding rail 118 b, and a third guidingrail 118 c. In some embodiments, the first guiding rail 118 a and/or thesecond guiding rail 118 b may be the same as or similar to the guidingrails described above in relation to FIG. 4A. The third guiding rail 118c may extend along approximately an entire length of the structuralcomponent 130, and the attachment equipment 110 b may slide along thethird guiding rail 118 c such that the attachment equipment 110 b mayfasten the mounting devices 140 to the structural component 130 at anypoint along the length of the structural component 130. In someembodiments, the third guiding rail 118 c may be positioned in the sameor a similar position as the third guiding rail 118 c as described abovein relation to FIG. 4A. In some embodiments, an automated feeder, suchas the automated feeder 112 as described above in relation to FIG. 2 ,may be used with the tri-axis rail support 110 d to provide and/orposition mounting devices for attachment to the structural component.

FIG. 5 illustrates a fifth example system 100 e of automated attachmentof solar components including multiple attachment equipment stations 110e according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the assemblyplatform (not shown) of the structural component may be stationary, andmultiple attachment equipment stations 110 e may be used to fastenmultiple mounting devices to the structural component at the same time,in quick succession, and/or with reduced movement of the structuralcomponent. In these and other embodiments, each of the attachmentequipment stations 110 e may include the same as or similar attachmentequipment as the attachment equipment 110 a as described above inrelation to FIG. 1A. Additionally or alternatively, each of theattachment equipment stations 110 e may include the same as or similarattachment equipment as any of the attachment equipment 110 b-d.

While FIG. 5 illustrates a sufficient number of the attachment equipmentstations 110 e to attach all of the mounting devices to the structuralcomponent at once, in some embodiments, a smaller number of stations isalso contemplated. For example, if the system 100 e included fourattachment equipment stations 110 e, the structural component may bemoved into place and two or four distinct mounting devices may beattached to the structural component. The structural component may thenbe moved relative to the four attachment equipment stations 110 e suchthat the four attachment equipment stations 110 e may be positioned andready for a next batch of mounting devices to attach to the structuralcomponent.

FIG. 6 illustrates installation of a fastener based on a flow drillfastening (“FDF”) process 200. In some embodiments, the FDF process 200may include positioning a fastener 210, penetrating a sheet of metal205, forming threads 224 in the hole formed by the penetration, andtightening the fastener 210. In some embodiments, the fastener 210 usedin the FDF process 200 may include a fastener head 212, a flange 214, a(partially) threaded body 216, and a boring component 218. In someembodiments, the flow drill fastener installer 116 (not shown) may beconfigured to hold the fastener head 212 such that the boring component218 is directed toward the sheet of metal 205, which may represent thefastener strip 150, a surface of the mounting device 140, and/or asurface of the structural component 130. As such, positioning of theflow drill fastener installer 116 may correspond to positioning of thefastener 210.

After positioning the fastener 210, the fastener 210 may be rotated at ahigh rate (e.g., 8,000 to 9,000 RPM) and pressed into the sheet of metal205 with high force to generate localized frictional heat thatfacilitates penetrating the sheet of metal 205 and creating a hole 220including a molded wall 222 and causing the metal into which thefastener 210 is being driven (e.g., the sheet of metal 205) to form aflowable material. The rotational speed of the fastener 210 may bereduced after forming the hole 220 such that the threads 224 may beformed in the molded wall 222 that forms of the flowable material. Thefastener 210 may be tightened in the hole 220 after formation of thehole 220 and the threads 224. Stated another way, the FDF process mayinclude an initial, high speed period of rotation (corresponding to “2.Penetration”) followed by a second, slower speed period of rotation(corresponding to “3. Thread forming”) in which threads are formed inthe sheet of metal 205 as the flowing metal resolidifies.

The FDF process may improve attachment of the fastener 210 to astructural component (such as a torque tube) relative to otherattachment processes because the FDF process may attach the fastener 210to the structural component while only accessing one side of thestructural component. As such, the FDF process does not requireaccessing the interior of the structural component to attach thefastener 210 to the structural component, which may simplify theattachment process. For example, attachment of the fastener 210 by theFDF process may remove the need for using a nut coupled to the fastener210 via the interior of the structural component to secure the fastener210 to the structural component, e.g., the fastener may couple thecomponents without the use of a nut.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to any of theforegoing FIGS. 1A-6 without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. For example, the designations of different elements in themanner described is meant to help explain concepts described herein andis not limiting. Further, the systems 100 a-e may include any number ofother elements or may be implemented within other systems or contextsthan those described.

Terms used in the present disclosure and especially in the appendedclaims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as“open terms” (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as“including, but not limited to.”).

Additionally, if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation isintended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and inthe absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example,as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may containusage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” tointroduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should notbe construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by theindefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containingsuch introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one”or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articlesused to introduce claim recitations.

In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitationis expressly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that suchrecitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number(e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without othermodifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “atleast one of A, B, and C, etc.” or “one or more of A, B, and C, etc.” isused, in general such a construction is intended to include A alone, Balone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, orA, B, and C together, etc.

Further, any disjunctive word or phrase preceding two or morealternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings,should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including oneof the terms, either of the terms, or both of the terms. For example,the phrase “A or B” should be understood to include the possibilities of“A” or “B” or “A and B.”

All examples and conditional language recited in the present disclosureare intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader in understandingthe present disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor tofurthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitationto such specifically recited examples and conditions. Althoughembodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail,various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made heretowithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A photovoltaic (PV) module mounting deviceassembly system, comprising: one or more PV module mounting devicespositioned along a length of a structural component; an automatedattachment equipment including a fastener installer that is configuredto move along a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis and fastenthe PV module mounting devices to the structural component at any pointalong the structural component along the first axis, the second axis,and/or the third axis; and an assembly platform onto which the PV modulemounting devices fastened to the structural component are positioned. 2.The PV module mounting device assembly system of claim 1, wherein theassembly platform is part of or coupled to a transportable component. 3.The PV module mounting device assembly system of claim 1, furthercomprising an automatic feeder that sequentially provides the PV modulemounting devices to be fastened to the structural component, theautomatic feeder moving the structural component along an axis while thePV module mounting devices remain stationary.
 4. The PV module mountingdevice assembly system of claim 1, further comprising an automaticfeeder that sequentially provides the PV module mounting devices to befastened to the structural component, the automatic feeder moving the PVmodule mounting devices along an axis while the structural componentremains stationary.
 5. The PV module mounting device assembly system ofclaim 1, wherein the PV module mounting devices are fastened to thestructural component according to one or more parameters specified basedon a size or an orientation of a PV module.
 6. The PV module mountingdevice assembly system of claim 1, wherein the automated attachmentequipment is configured to use a flow drill fastening process thatincludes: driving a fastener into a surface of one of the PV modulemounting devices that is in contact with the structural component orthrough a hole in the surface of the one of the PV module mountingdevices that is in contact with the structural component; rotating thefastener at a rotational rate that forms a flowing material from thestructural component or the surface of each of the PV module mountingdevices; and forming threads in a hole formed by driving the fastenerinto the surface of one of the PV module mounting devices that is incontact with the structural component by decreasing the rotational rateof the fastener.
 7. The PV module mounting device assembly system ofclaim 1, wherein the automated attachment equipment is configured to:drive a drill bit through a surface of the structural component that isaligned with a surface of one of the PV module mounting devices to forman aligned hole through the structural component and the PV modulemounting device; and insert a blind fastener through the aligned hole.8. The PV module mounting device assembly system of claim 1, wherein theautomated attachment equipment is configured to spot weld the PV modulemounting devices to the structural component or secure each of the PVmodule mounting devices to the structural component using a clinchjoint.
 9. The PV module mounting device assembly system of claim 1,further comprising a first guiding rail, a second guiding rail, and athird guiding rail in which the first axis is defined by the firstguiding rail, the second axis is defined by the second guiding rail, andthe third axis is defined by the third guiding rail.
 10. The PV modulemounting device assembly system of claim 1, wherein the PV modulemounting devices fastened to the structural component are moved to theassembly platform after being fastened.